"Pretty soon, they'll have a metal detector and you'll buzz and have to go back through," Westfalo said.

The NFL won't tie the new security rules to any particular incident, but the changes come after a Cowboys fan was arrested for using a stun gun on a Jets fan at MetLife Stadium earlier this month.

Critics of the move say it's an invasion of privacy and will only work to cause more delays. But others said more security measures are a welcome move.

"You pay a lot of money, you want to see your team play and you want to be in a safe environment," Brenton said.

The NFL advises fans to arrive early.

"What's a pat-down, 30 seconds? I'd rather be safe -- take 30 seconds out of my life and know that everybody's got to go through the same thing," said Damon Balesteri, a Cowboys fan from Chicago in town to watch the game.